Jul. 18, 2014

Written by

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

The cofounder of Hatch Detroit has resigned, and the organization said his role in its finances is being investigated by the nonprofit.

Executive Director Vittoria Katanski said Ted Balowski resigned Thursday. Hatch Detroit, launched in 2011 by Balowski and Nick Gorga, is a nonprofit that aims to boost small businesses and add more storefronts in the city.

“The Hatch Detroit Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of cofounder Ted Balowski and is investigating his role in the organization's finances. While the investigation continues, we cannot disclose further details,” Katanski said in an e-mail to the Free Press.

The organization stated that its operations will not be affected by Balowski’s departure.

Balowski could not be reached for comment Friday.

A statement released by Hatch said Friday the organization is in close communication with its funders and community partners. Since its inception, the organization has awarded thousands of dollars to independent businesses in Detroit with funds received from donors such as Comerica Bank.

“They remain supportive of Hatch Detroit and its mission to serve entrepreneurs in Detroit,” according to the statement. “We will continue, unabated, to carry out that mission through our programs across Detroit, including the fourth Hatch Detroit contest and our ongoing work with the Neighborhood Initiative, and support of our alumni.”

The Detroit Lions partnered with Hatch Detroit earlier this to boost West Village businesses, including Tarot & Tea and Red Hook coffee shop. The effort is part of the football team’s initiative, Living for the City, to support organizations that aim to improve physical fitness, eating habits, housing, environmental planning, public transportation, community infrastructure and job opportunities.

“We appreciate Hatch Detroit’s transparency with their current situation and the steps they are taking to rectify it,” the Detroit Lions said in a statement. “Our collaborative efforts in the city’s neighborhoods and our support of the Hatch Detroit Contest are an important part of our Living for the City initiative. The Detroit Lions look forward to continuing our relationship with Hatch Detroit and making a strong and lasting impact in our community.”